Iran on Monday said it appreciates Iraq’s efforts to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington, but any negotiation process must adhere to established diplomatic protocols in order to be effective and realistic, IRNA news agency reported.
Speaking at his weekly press conference in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said that diplomacy remains a “core tool” for defending Iran’s national interests and will be used whenever it proves beneficial.
Commenting on the Iraqi prime minister’s announcement on efforts to host direct talks between Iran and the US in Baghdad, Baqaei said Iraq’s concern for regional stability and security is commendable.
“Tehran always welcomes the sincere efforts of neighboring countries to reduce tensions,” he said, adding that initiating a negotiation process requires commitment to proper diplomatic procedures, without which realistic dialogue cannot take place.
The spokesperson noted that the official communication channel through the interest sections in Switzerland and Washington remains active. In this regard, he said ongoing discussions are strictly limited to nuclear issues, while preconditions or unrelated topics will not be entertained.
